the way to live

A few weeks back an amazing human being, Justin Hilbun, passed away. He was Kristin Diable's bassist, the artist for whom we shot a music video back in April. He was also her best friend and roommate.

I only met Justin once during one of their Brooklyn shows - had a beer with him, and thumped away on his upright bass for a few minutes reminding me how much I missed my own. But even in that brief encounter, I could sense what an amazing, generous and good person he was. Full of a lightness.

Last weekend he had a true New Orleans jazz funeral. My heart's still with Kristin and everyone who knew him, but he is only missed so dearly because he lived so well, and for the sake of so many others. The procession, sadness and merriment that day all illustrate what he meant to the world.

Bank accounts and lawn care seem so irrelevant; only people count.


photo credit: Sandra Dixon (lightly borrowed from Sandra's Facebook page)